Keep your vehicle rolling with regular car maintenance

Your car is so much more than just a set of wheels. With a title loan, your vehicle can even be a source of cash! The last thing you want to do is neglect one of your biggest investments. The good news is that regular car maintenance can go a long way toward extending the life of your vehicle.

Your car is so much more than just a set of wheels. With a title loan, your vehicle can even be a source of cash! The last thing you want to do is neglect one of your biggest investments. The good news is that regular car maintenance can go a long way toward extending the life of your vehicle.

So where should you start? How about with your car’s owner’s manual? You know – it’s that book that takes up space in your glove compartment. The owner’s manual contains a recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle – everything from when to change the oil and other fluids, to part replacement.

Get in the habit of changing your oil and fluids regularly and replacing filters. Changing and checking your vehicle’s oil is probably the most important step to keeping your vehicle running properly. If you don’t know what type of oil your vehicle takes, consult the owner’s manual.

Change the oil and oil filter at intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Also check the level of your antifreeze, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid regularly. You should flush these fluids every two years and change transmission fluid at least every 50,000 miles. Keep in mind that a dirty air filter can zap your gas mileage.

Check your tires. Rotating your car’s tires twice a year or every 6,000 miles will help reduce wear and tear and uneven tread wear. Use a penny test to check tread wear. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then it is probably time to replace your tires. While you’re at it, check your tire pressure. Proper tire inflation not only gets you better gas mileage, but also extends the life of your tires. Under-inflated tires can reduce the life of your tires by 15 percent. Also make sure your tires are balanced and properly aligned. If your tread is wearing unevenly or your car shakes while driving, you may need an alignment.

Wash and wax your car often. This can help prevent rust and other corrosion from harming your vehicle. Tree sap, salt, and road tar can hasten deterioration of your vehicle’s paint. Also, repair any paint chips or dents. Keep your vehicle washed and waxed. Who doesn’t want a spiffy car?

One of the most often-neglected car maintenance tips is changing your windshield wipers. Do this once a year, or when worn rubber blades begin to impede visibility. How nice is it to have your wipers working like they should in a rainstorm or snowstorm?

Lastly, don’t ignore the check engine light. It’s not crying wolf — it’s serious. If you notice strange noises or smells coming from the vehicle, don’t delay. Take it to the shop and get it checked out.

Following these simple maintenance steps will give you peace of mind and keep your vehicle out of the shop. You’ll catch needed repairs before they turn into something major. Regular service will not only make your car last longer, but will also increase your vehicle’s trade-in value as well.

So where should you start? How about with your car’s owner’s manual? You know – it’s that book that takes up space in your glove compartment. The owner’s manual contains a recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle – everything from when to change the oil and other fluids, to part replacement.

Get in the habit of changing your oil and fluids regularly and replacing filters. Changing and checking your vehicle’s oil is probably the most important step to keeping your vehicle running properly. If you don’t know what type of oil your vehicle takes, consult the owner’s manual.

Change the oil and oil filter at intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Also check the level of your antifreeze, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid regularly. You should flush these fluids every two years and change transmission fluid at least every 50,000 miles. Keep in mind that a dirty air filter can zap your gas mileage.

Check your tires. Rotating your car’s tires twice a year or every 6,000 miles will help reduce wear and tear and uneven tread wear. Use a penny test to check tread wear. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then it is probably time to replace your tires. While you’re at it, check your tire pressure. Proper tire inflation not only gets you better gas mileage, but also extends the life of your tires. Under-inflated tires can reduce the life of your tires by 15 percent. Also make sure your tires are balanced and properly aligned. If your tread is wearing unevenly or your car shakes while driving, you may need an alignment.

Wash and wax your car often. This can help prevent rust and other corrosion from harming your vehicle. Tree sap, salt, and road tar can hasten deterioration of your vehicle’s paint. Also, repair any paint chips or dents. Keep your vehicle washed and waxed. Who doesn’t want a spiffy car?

One of the most often-neglected car maintenance tips is changing your windshield wipers. Do this once a year, or when worn rubber blades begin to impede visibility. How nice is it to have your wipers working like they should in a rainstorm or snowstorm?

Lastly, don’t ignore the check engine light. It’s not crying wolf — it’s serious. If you notice strange noises or smells coming from the vehicle, don’t delay. Take it to the shop and get it checked out.

Following these simple maintenance steps will give you peace of mind and keep your vehicle out of the shop. You’ll catch needed repairs before they turn into something major. Regular service will not only make your car last longer, but will also increase your vehicle’s trade-in value as well.